Angry protesters descend on opening of controversial Chinese consulate in Adelaide suburb of Joslin

Two people have been arrested as more than 100 protested the opening of a controversial Chinese consulate.

More than 100 people have protested the opening of a Chinese consulate in Joslin as Premier Steven Marshall addressed a crowd inside the compound.

The crowd, waving banners opposing the Chinese oppression of Uygur and Falon Gong people, shouted over the top of the VIP event inside the consulate grounds on Fifth Avenue.

Amid angry scenes, two were arrested for assault and public disorder offences.

Police closed off a long section of Fifth Avenue while the event took place.

They also moved on some protesters from demonstrating on the fence line near gazebos that had been constructed to host the event.

Media were not invited to attend the opening ceremony.

Senator Rex Patrick told the gathered crowd on Fifth Avenue that the consulate did not “belong in Joslin and, in fact, it doesn’t belong in Adelaide”.

Protesters outside the South Australian Chinese consulate in Adelaide. Picture: NCA NewsWire / David Mariuz

Protesters chant at guests outside the SA Chinese consulate in Adelaide before its opening ceremony. Picture: NCA NewsWire / David Mariuz

“It’s inconsistent with our national security needs and it’s, of course, a strong contrast to the leafy suburb that is Joslin,” Mr Patrick said.

“It simply doesn’t belong here. We have a situation where the Chinese government has been engaging in a whole range of activities that are inconsistent with our values.

He said he did not think it was an “accident” that the establishment of the consulate coincided with SA’s naval shipbuilding program.

“We need to recognise the risks involved in having such a strong consular presence in Adelaide.”

Australian Uyghur Tangritagh Women’s Association president Ramila Chanisheff decried the consulate as a symbol of a “genocidal state”.

“Australia has been kind enough to bring us to this country, we are the lucky ones,” Ms Chanisheff said.

Protesters outside the Adelaide Chinese consulate in Joslin. Picture: NCA NewsWire / David Mariuz

Protesters outside the South Australian Chinese consulate in Adelaide. Picture: NCA NewsWire / David Mariuz

“This is our home … and we’re here to protect South Australia and Australia.

“Once China is in, it is very difficult to get out.”

Greens state upper house MP Tammy Franks also told the crowd she was “standing for democracy, standing for multiculturalism and standing against human rights abuses”.

“If the premier had any guts he wouldn’t be in there, he’d be out here with you right now,” she said.

Exiled Hong Kong legislator Ted Hui, who this month escaped to Australia, was also in attendance.

The large consulate, on the quiet streets of Joslin, has also drawn the ire of nearby residents for its scale and concerns over security.

Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade secretary Frances Adamson last week said concerns about the consulate were under “active consideration” by the Federal Government.

People outside the Chinese consulate in Adelaide, protesting against the consulate’s location and size. Picture: NCA NewsWire / David Mariuz

Protesters have descended on the opening of a new Chinese Consulate in Adelaide.

Originally published as Angry protesters descend on opening of controversial Chinese consulate in Adelaide suburb of Joslin